What it's about: Ex-convict Mycroft Canner discovers the high cost of peace as his world -- a 25th-century utopian society in which philosophical Hives have replaced nation-states -- begins to collapse.

Series alert: Due to the complexity of this 3rd Terra Ignota novel, readers should begin at the beginning with Too Like the Lightning.

Try this next: For another thought-provoking blend of Western philosophy and science fiction, try Jo Walton's Just City novels, which envision a society based on the principles of Plato's Republic.

In a world... where dragons soar above the burned-out ruins of Empire Island (think New York in the year 301970), a reality-TV star, a baroness, and a feral girl must survive the mean streets of their own city.

Want a taste? "This is the story of what it is to be young in a very old world."

For fans of: the inventive and freewheeling apocalyptic fiction of Nick Harkaway.

What it's about: A pyrokinetic "Prime" is on the loose, using powerful magic to incinerate anyone or anything that stands in his way. As private investigator Nevada Baylor tries to stop him, she finds an unlikely ally in Connor "Mad" Rogan, a billionaire with dark powers of his own.

Why you might like it: Straddling the line between urban fantasy and paranormal romantic suspense, this steamy series starter asks: can your enemy's enemy be your friend-with-benefits (and more)?

You might also like: Although they feature a lighter tone and a snarkier heroine, Darynda Jones' Charley Davidson novels also pair a tough private eye and a hot but dangerous alpha male.

What it's about: In exchange for a secure middle-class existence, downwardly mobile couple Charmaine and Stan become subjects in an unusual social experiment that will put their relationship to the test.

Why you might like it: No one does chilling yet slyly satirical literary dystopia like Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood.

For fans of: sardonic, keenly observed novels of formerly middle-class individuals adjusting to the harsh realities of late capitalism, such as Karl Taro Greenfeld's The Subprimes or Lionel Shriver's The Mandibles

Starring: Captain Ivan Vorpatril, who (unlike his adventurous cousin, Miles Vorkosigan) is content with his quiet, uncomplicated existence... Then he receives orders to protect Tej Arqua, a young woman targeted by a criminal syndicate.

Series alert: Starring a popular supporting character from the long-running Vorkosigan saga, this 18th series entry, which takes place several years before the events of Cryoburn, easily stands on its own.

What it's about: If you're a beautiful but uninsured young woman who's facing terminal illness, your best bet is to become a "bridesicle." Of course, you'll be cryogenically frozen until a wealthy man opts to pay for your treatment in exchange for becoming his wife.

You might also like: Andri Snaer Magnason's Lovestar or Chris Adrian's The New World, both of which explore issues of economic inequality as they depict futuristic technologies that create more problems than they solve when applied to personal relationships.

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